NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates have agreed to explore expanded collaboration in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, with Pakistan seeking greater support for its socio-economic development agenda.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between the prime minister and Gates on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Recalling the Gates Foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the foundation’s continued engagement with the country in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Mr. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026) Session in New York. pic.twitter.com/uwgtLLp2HY
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2026
Pakistan committed to completely eradicate polio
The prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to completely eradicate polio and thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support for the national effort.
He also expressed his personal commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Mr. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026) Session.
Recalling Gates Foundation Team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the Prime… pic.twitter.com/DRPo7V1p6E
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2026
Gates acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts under the prime minister’s leadership and stressed that polio eradication was vital to protecting future generations from the crippling disease.
He also appreciated the prime minister’s personal guidance to provincial governments in implementing the polio vaccination programme across the country.
Islamabad seeks broader cooperation in health, digital innovation
Prime Minister Shehbaz described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in the country’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in broadening cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and AI.
The prime minister also briefed Gates on the government’s ongoing agricultural reforms, with particular focus on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers.
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The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued and constructive engagement to strengthen partnerships supporting sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social-sector outcomes in Pakistan.
Recalling Gates’ earlier visits to Pakistan, the prime minister invited him to undertake another visit to the country at his earliest convenience.
